Godwin, Jackson Godwin

CASSTOWN — Some children dream of becoming professional athletes when they grow up, others dream of being astronauts, fire fighters or doctors.

Miami East fourth grader Jackson Godwin has a different dream — and at only 10 years of age, he is already working hard to achieve it.

Recently, Godwin sent a letter and resume to the headquarters of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Godwin said he spent about two hours hand writing the letter and resume, having to start over a few times after messing up. In the letter, Godwin asked the NCIS office to make him a junior agent — a wish that was granted Thursday.

Lewis Ivanovich, an NCIS special agent from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, traveled to Casstown to present Godwin with his very own junior agent badge and wallet, along with a challenge coin and a personal letter from Timothy W. Reeves, special agent in charge of the NCIS Central Field Office.

“I saw the shows (‘NCIS’ and ‘NCIS Los Angeles’), and I decided I want to be an NCIS agent. I wrote a letter to the central office and that landed me here,” Jackson said.

“This really got started by his initiative. We thought his communication skills were just really outstanding,” Ivanovich said. “We’re glad to do it … this is one of the more enjoyable things I get to do.”

Reeves’ letter praised Godwin for his initiative, along with his “impressive communication skills, his judgement and ambition.” Reeves also urged Godwin to prepare himself to become a special agent in the future.

“I hope to see your name on the roles of the NCIS in 15 years,” Reeves said in closing.

“I just want to do something that helps the country, not so much entertain, but more defend the country,” Jackson said. “I decided the military was a little dangerous.”

Godwin wore an NCIS T-shirt Thursday, but said he didn’t know about the presentation in advance. He is a huge fan of the NCIS shows and has been a member of the schools’ safety patrol program. His mom, Judie Godwin, attended the presentation. She said she was very proud of him, but not entirely surprised he did something like this.

“He’s done stuff like this before. I mean, he’s very forward, focused and articulate,” Judie said. “If he wants to do something, he’ll do it.”

Jackson’s teacher, Josh Roeth, added that he was quite impressed with the initiative his student took, especially considering his age.

“Jackson is not really outspoken,” Roeth said. “He doesn’t like to stand in the limelight, so it’s kind of neat that he came out and did something like this.”

— Colin Foster may be reached at 937-440-5208 or followed on Twitter @colinfosterbg or @Troydailynews